Classic Kentucky Hot Brown
Inspired by its origins at the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, this Classic Kentucky Hot Brown is a rich and comforting open-face sandwich. Layers of succulent roasted turkey, fresh sliced tomatoes, and a luxurious cheese sauce made with white Cheddar are finished with crispy crumbled bacon. The warm, creamy sauce melds with the savory ingredients, while Italian ciabatta provides a perfect toasted foundation for this distinctive dish. A true Southern staple, this recipe brings together traditional flavors with modern elements for a dish that is sure to impress any guest.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
milk
1 1/2 cups
white cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons
Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
bacon
3 slices (cooked and crumbled)
italian ciabatta or rustic bread
6 slices (toasted)
roast turkey breast
1/2 lb (sliced)
large tomato
1 (sliced)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 3 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, and increase the heat to medium-high until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat. Blend in the Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses along with the Dijon mustard, Tabasco sauce, and salt. Keep the sauce warm until needed.
2
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, fry the bacon over high heat until crisp and browned, approximately 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble or chop coarsely.
3
Assemble the Sandwiches: Set your oven's broiler to preheat. Lay the toasted bread slices in a single layer on an ovenproof dish. Evenly distribute the turkey slices and tomato slices on top of each piece of bread. Lightly sprinkle with ground black pepper, and generously top each with the prepared cheese sauce.
4
Broil the Sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler, heating them until the cheese sauce starts to lightly brown; typically 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully remove the dish from the oven.
5
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the sandwiches. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the comforting, savory taste of the Classic Kentucky Hot Brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the Classic Kentucky Hot Brown?
The Classic Kentucky Hot Brown originated at the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
What type of sandwich is a Kentucky Hot Brown?
It is a rich and comforting open-face sandwich featuring layers of turkey and cheese sauce.
What are the main components of a Hot Brown?
The main components include toasted bread, roasted turkey, sliced tomatoes, a Mornay-style cheese sauce, and crispy bacon.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
Italian ciabatta or a similar rustic bread is recommended for a perfect toasted foundation.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What types of cheese are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of shredded white Cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese.
How do you prepare the cheese sauce roux?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and stir in 2 tablespoons of flour for about 3 minutes to create the roux.
What liquid is added to the roux for the sauce?
Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk into the butter and flour mixture.
Does the sauce contain any mustard?
Yes, 1 1/2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard are added to the cheese sauce for flavor.
Is the Hot Brown sauce spicy?
The sauce includes 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, providing a very mild hint of heat.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Fry 3 slices of bacon in a skillet over high heat for 4 to 6 minutes until crisp, then crumble it.
How do you assemble the sandwiches?
Lay toasted bread on a dish, add turkey and tomato slices, season with pepper, and cover generously with cheese sauce.
What is the final cooking step for the sandwiches?
Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese sauce lightly browns.
When should the bacon be added?
The crumbled bacon is sprinkled over the sandwiches as a garnish after they have been broiled.
How much turkey is needed for 6 servings?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of sliced roast turkey breast.
Should the bread be toasted before assembly?
Yes, the 6 slices of Italian ciabatta should be toasted before you begin assembling the sandwiches.
What seasoning is used on the tomatoes?
A light sprinkle of 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper is used on the turkey and tomato layers.
How long does it take to cook the bacon?
The bacon takes approximately 4 to 6 minutes to become crisp and browned.
What is the best way to serve a Hot Brown?
It should be served immediately while hot to enjoy the creamy sauce and savory ingredients.
Can I use regular Cheddar instead of white Cheddar?
While white Cheddar is traditional for the authentic look, regular Cheddar can be used as a substitute.
How much salt is in the cheese sauce?
The sauce contains 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the texture of the cheese sauce?
The sauce is luxurious, warm, and creamy, designed to meld with the savory turkey and bread.
Is this considered a traditional Southern dish?
Yes, the Kentucky Hot Brown is a true Southern staple.
How many slices of tomato are used?
The recipe uses 1 large tomato, sliced, distributed across the 6 sandwiches.
What temperature should the oven be?
The oven should be set to the broiler setting for the final browning of the cheese.
What tools are needed for the sauce?
You will need a medium-sized saucepan and a whisk.
How do you prevent the bacon from being too greasy?
Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat before crumbling.
Can I use a different bread if ciabatta is unavailable?
Yes, any rustic bread that provides a sturdy toasted foundation will work.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Should the cheese sauce be boiling when added?
The mixture should reach a gentle boil before removing from heat and blending in the cheeses.